Trails My Kids Actually Loved (Not Just Tolerated)

Family hiking has gotten complicated with all the Pinterest lists and influencer recommendations flying around. As someone who has dragged grumpy children up trails that were “perfect for families” (they weren’t) and stumbled onto amazing hikes by accident, I learned everything there is to know about what actually works with kids. Today, I’ll share the trails worth your family’s time.

What Makes a Trail Kid-Friendly

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Before the trail list: mileage matters less than you’d think. A flat 3-mile trail can feel longer to kids than a varied 2-miler with things to see. Water features, wildlife, interesting rocks, bridges – these keep children moving forward without constant “are we there yet” complaints.

Yosemite Valley Loop Trail, California

That’s what makes Yosemite endearing to us outdoor families – you can see incredible things without destroying your kids in the process. The full loop runs about 13 miles, but nobody does the whole thing with children. Pick a section, walk until people get tired, turn around.

Bridalveil Fall is an easy add-on – short walk from the parking area and spectacular enough to impress even screen-addicted preteens. El Capitan viewpoints work well for picnic stops. The terrain stays mostly flat through the valley floor.

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina

The Smokies have more family-friendly options than you can explore in a decade. The 2.6-mile Laurel Falls trail is popular for good reason – the waterfall at the end gives kids a concrete destination to work toward. The trail is paved and manageable for most ages.

Cades Cove Loop is an 11-mile drive/bike path with short hiking options throughout. We’ve spotted deer, turkey, and once a black bear (from the car, which was exciting enough). Pull-offs lead to small trails and historic buildings that break up the drive.

Emerald Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

I’m apparently one of those people who needs alpine lakes to feel properly outdoors, and this 3.5-mile round trip works for me while more ambitious mountain hikes never quite work with kids in tow.

You pass three lakes – Nymph, Dream, and Emerald – so there are multiple reward points instead of waiting until the end. Elevation is moderate enough that most kids handle it fine, though altitude can affect some people. Start early to beat crowds and afternoon thunderstorms.

Ocean Path, Acadia National Park, Maine

The Maine coast delivers. This 4.5-mile trail follows the rocky shoreline, mostly flat, with tide pools that will keep children occupied for hours if you let them. My kids found more sea creatures than they could name, and the views keep adults happy too.

Thunder Hole (where waves crash into a sea cave) is along this route and worth timing with incoming tide. Pack snacks and expect to spend longer than the mileage suggests.

Brandywine Gorge, Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio

A 1.5-mile loop that ends at a 65-foot waterfall. Short enough for young kids, interesting enough for older ones. The trail is well-marked and maintained. Picnic areas near the trailhead make it easy to combine with lunch.

Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

The 620-foot waterfall is visible from the parking area, but hiking to the bridge and upper viewpoints adds adventure. About 2.6 miles round trip with paved switchbacks that kids can handle. Multiple photo opportunities along the way provide natural rest breaks.

Gets crowded on weekends – weekday mornings are better if your schedule allows.

Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California

Not wilderness, but perfect for urban families. Over 50 miles of trails, including a 2.5-mile loop to Griffith Observatory. City views and Hollywood Sign sightings keep kids interested. The observatory itself has exhibits worth exploring after the hike.

Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park, Washington

The Hall of Mosses trail is only about a mile, but it feels like another planet. Giant trees, moss hanging everywhere, kids suddenly interested in ecology. Short enough that attention spans don’t expire before the end.

The visitor center adds context if your children are the type who want to understand what they’re seeing.

Zion National Park, Utah

The Riverside Walk is 2.2 miles along the Virgin River, paved and stroller-accessible. Dramatic red cliffs tower above. Kids can wade in the shallow sections of the river when water levels allow. The scenery is dramatic enough to impress anyone.

Redwood National and State Parks, California

Walking among the tallest trees on Earth makes an impression. The Stout Grove Trail is only half a mile and completely manageable, but the scale of these trees is genuinely awe-inspiring. We’ve done this trail with toddlers and teenagers – worked for both.

Bryce Canyon, Utah

Queens Garden Trail is 1.8 miles among the famous hoodoo rock formations. Kids who’ve seen any Western movie will recognize the landscape. The trail descends into the canyon, which means climbing back up – factor that into your energy calculations.

Making It Work

Some practical notes from years of family hiking:

• Bring more snacks than you think you need
• Let kids set the pace – racing to a destination misses the point
• Small rewards at turnaround points help (trail mix, a special drink)
• Magnifying glasses, binoculars, and nature guides add engagement
• Start shorter than you think necessary and increase from there

The best family trail is one your particular family enjoys. Try different styles – forest, mountain, coastal, desert – and notice what clicks. These trails are starting points, not requirements. Happy hiking with the little ones.